Login Register Sign up for the GRM e-newsletter

Login to post Forums » Grassroots Motorsports » Wheels: going from steel to aluminum
  • Nov. 19, 2009 5:38 p.m. stan SuperDork

    Here's my question: Steel wheels are usually thinner, so if you change to a aluminum wheels can there be a stud length problem? It looks like I've went from the lugs being threaded onto a stud about a half inch long to one being about a quarter inch long and I'm just wondering if there's a minimum recommended length for studs.

    I have this imagine of all of the studs breaking at the same time on the freeway.... Ouch.

    Thanks

  • iceracer

    Nov. 19, 2009 5:54 p.m. iceracer HalfDork

    What actually counts is the lug nut itself. No matter how long the stud , as long as the nut screws on it's full thread.

  • DILYSI Dave

    Nov. 19, 2009 10:51 p.m. DILYSI Dave UltimaDork

    You want thread engagement at least as long as the bolt (stud) diameter.

  • 2002maniac

    Nov. 19, 2009 11:00 p.m. 2002maniac Reader

    The MOST important thin is making sure you have the right lugnuts for the wheels. There are various different styles available such as: conical, acorn, and round.

  • Nov. 20, 2009 11:12 a.m. stan SuperDork

    ...so a quarter inch diameter bolt should go into the lug at least a quarter inch.

    And I know what you mean about the lugnut and wheel being compatable.

    thanks.

  • NYG95GA

    Nov. 20, 2009 11:55 a.m. NYG95GA SuperDork

    Most lugs are more like a half inch diameter. Also be sure to check the hub clearance; sometimes when running rims from a different make, the center bore will not fit, even though the bolt circle does. When attempting to fit Celica rims on my Neon, I found I had to overbore the rim's center by ~2mm to get them to clear the hub.

  • Nov. 20, 2009 1:30 p.m. stan SuperDork

    In reply to NYG95GA:

    True dat. I'll check that when I get home (and it's daylight!).

    thanks, Stan

 

You'll need to log in to post.